Less than a month ago Paige Nielsen was an integral member of Angel City FC. Today Nielsen scored the game winning goal in the 98th minute for her new club, the Houston Dash.
“When I scored the goal I was like ‘Holy crap did that just happen’”, Nielsen said on scoring a goal in her first game back in Los Angeles.
“I really wanted to win this game. I told my teammates to do everything they can to win this game.”
Nielsen was traded to Houston right before the trade deadline in exchange for $50,000 in allocation money and another $50,000 in transfer funds.
Angel City, who had won three of their last four games, seemed to be on the upswing before the game.
“The moments at the end matter, but I think actually that the 96 minutes before that are actually the more relevant part,” Angel City head coach Becki Tweed said after the second loss in stoppage time this season.
“Did we deserve to win, no. Did we deserve to lose, probably not.”
Despite the loss, defender Sarah Gorden and midfielder Rocky Rodriguez feel the team is starting to come together a bit more.
“I do feel like the chemistry between the center backs and midfield is really getting there,” Gordon said in response to the build up many feel brewing.
“So yes, maybe we are about to pop off.”.
Houston will be back home this Friday, hoping to continue the winning against the emerging Portland Thorns who have won their last five games. Angel City will be on the road in Washington to take on the Spirit who are currently in third place with a 6-0-3 record this season.
